How to: Genealogy & Cost
- 1). Use the available resources at your disposal, which includes interviewing family members and relatives, family photo albums, ancestors' diaries or journals, and newspaper clippings. Do not limit your research to these items; take time to dig in your closet or attic and see what you will unearth. The cost of this type of research is mainly a time investment with the occasional out-of-pocket cost to photocopy an important document or photograph.
- 2). Get a free or paid genealogy software package to begin tracking the family history results you discover. You can download and try Gramps, a free, open-source genealogy program packed with a full feature set. As of April 2011, the best paid software options include RootsMagic for $29.95, GenoPro for $49 and Reunion on Mac computers for $99.99
- 3). Use genealogy websites to discover potential ancestors. These websites give you the ability to search for existing family members, and network with other enthusiasts and hobbyists. A few possible options include Geni, RootsWeb, Genealogy Today, and Family Tree Researcher. You can also dive into the U.S. National Archives and check out their genealogy section if your research focuses on U.S. ancestors.
- 4). Hire a professional genealogist. This option is the most costly, as you never know what results to expect. However, when a professional handles your family tree, he or she may find things you originally overlooked and find new ancestors from different countries. Going this route can also save you time, allowing you to enjoy the finer things in life, while someone else handles your genealogy research.
